As you know, dental care for children must begin at a very early age, as soon as teeth come in. The soonerone starts taking care of a kid’s gums and teeth, the more likely dental problems such as cavities can be avoided. Now, brushing and flossing are two of the most pillars of oral care. This stands true for kids as well. Here at Jupiter Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, we often come across the question- “Is It Okay For Children To Floss?”. As our pediatric dentists always try to inform parents about pediatric dental care, we have come up with a blog that will talk about flossing in children.
Importance Of Flossing For Kids
Flossing eliminates food particles in between teeth and is an important aspect of a person’s dental hygiene practice. These particles can cause tooth decay and gum disease if they are not removed. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have also stated that flossing is an important element of dental health. This is true for everyone, beginning in preschool. It’s time to start flossing as soon as your child’s teeth are close enough together for plaque to form.
Even though baby teeth fall out with time, it is critical to keep them healthy as they are important for chewing, speech and holding space for adult teeth. Starting flossing at a young age will help your child develop excellent oral habits that will last a lifetime. Your child should floss at least once a day, and many families find that making flossing a part of their sleep routine works best. Also, if your child is having a hard time flossing on their own, we recommend a parent to help the child’s teeth at night.
When Should A Child Start Flossing?
It is essential to establish proper flossing habits early in life for a variety of reasons. When children learn to floss at a young age, they are more likely to keep doing so throughout their lives. Moreover, developing appropriate flossing practices at a young age ensures that teeth and gums are kept as healthy as possible.
In general, flossing should begin as soon as your child’s teeth start to touch together. Between the ages of two and six, this frequently occurs. Consult your child’s pediatric dentist if you’re unsure whether it’s time for them to start flossing. Always remember that flossing is equally important as brushing. So, as you make brushing fun for your kid, using floss should not be ignored as well.
Benefits Of Flossing
Brushing alone will not remove all of the plaque that accumulates between a kid’s teeth. Flossing is considered to be just as vital as brushing. It can however, be a more difficult habit to establish.
Flossing helps to remove food material in between teeth. Buildup between teeth serve as breeding habitat for bacteria and contributes to the formation of plaque. Flossing is vital for avoiding cavities, bad breath, and, most significantly, gum disease. If plaque isn’t eliminated, it damages not only the teeth but also the gum tissue, which can lead to gum disease in the future. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (which focuses on gum health), brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is the most effective approach to avoid gum disease–but only about 15% of Americans floss every day. It’s time to change those statistics by getting kids on the correct track.
What Is The Best Way To Teach Kids To Floss?
The best pediatric dentists in Allen have come up with effective tips to integrate flossing into your kid’s routine.
- First, allow your child to select their first floss. You may want to start them out with a themed pre-threaded flosser.
- Use gentle floss that will not irritate his/her gums. For many families, smoother comfort floss works well, and flavored floss is often a huge success with kids.
- Positive reinforcement works best. At the end of each week, you can reward your child for flossing. Typically we recommend a non-food item such as stickers, etc.
- Make flossing a game by keeping a family record and comparing notes. At the end of the week, treat yourself to a healthy lunch.
- Talk to your kid about the importance of flossing in avoiding dental cavities. Remind older kids that flossing is essential for avoiding bad breath.
Get In Touch With Us In Need
We do realize that one might still face difficulty in teaching their children to floss. Do not hesitate to contact the best Allen pediatric dentists at Jupiter Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics and we will discuss brushing and flossing habits with your and your child during each hygiene visit. You can also book an appointment with us for the best quality pediatric dental treatments. Call us at (976) 396-8080 today.
